Nicka Angeles turns One!

When the morning of June 24 came, it then hit me! (Sumakit balakang ko bigla) It's Nicka's first Birthday! Why am I so exhilirated? Well, if you've been going through all the posts in my blog, then you know our history together. This cutie pie has been the subject my camera ever since she was a little munchkin in her mother's womb. Gosh.... time does fly by so fast and now I also realized that I'm getting older.

Nald, Nicka' s dad, would jokingly tell me that I have to stick around until Nicka's 18th bday. Maybe I'll be needing a wheelchair by then, the remote control type to catch up with these youngsters and shoot them.

One thing I extremely enjoy when shooting the Angeles family is that they are very warm and such a delight to work with. I see the same familiar faces, their family, friends, relatives who give out all the laughter and fun that you just want to capture. There is never a dull moment when I shoot an event for Neri, Nald and Nicka, not to mention they always have a color motiff every ocassion. I'm getting the trend now. It's yellow(baptism) , pink (family portrait) , pink (1st bday) . . . I thought it would be yellow again for the 1st bday so I went there wearing yellow. Darn, should've been pink. Oh well, I like this guessing game.

I had so much fun, I forgot I was pregnant. Neri and Nald would go scared white looking at me climb up chairs to get a better angle for the picture. Well, I guess when you're in that party you don't want to miss out on anything!

Cynee Herce-Bacosa

When I found out that Ate Cynee was pregnant, I immediately emailed her and told her that I would LOVE to take her maternity portrait! Apart from the fact that she looks like Hilda Coronel (artistahin), she happens to be the wife of my Uncle and she's also a N@wie. Wow. Small world.

I was excited when she said yes. She's awfully busy and I can't imagine how she was able to manage squeezing in our photoshoot in her schedule. When she arrived at the studio, she was already fully made up. Talk about being prepared.

Uncle Den and Julia also joined the shoot. Though Uncle Den was more of coerced to join the shoot. I guess he just can't say no to me. Hehehe.

Julia was so full of energy that afternoon, that I was on my knees, my butt, crawling to catch a good angle of her with her parents. Uncle Den and Ate Cynee had to keep smiles on their faces and hold their poses just in case Julia might strike a pose or stand still. It was very challenging and a lot of fun.

Ate Cynee gave birth to an 5 lb. baby boy a week after this shoot. I just can't help but smile at the miracle of pregnancy. I am very happy for them. A baby is a blessing indeed.

Bongga Ka Day!

I've always loved this song and surprisingly, now that I'm starting to show (4 mos. pregnant and growing), I love this song even more. I feel that women should empower themselves more to love their bodies, flaunt their talents and be beautiful always! We are women! With our bodies, we bear children, with our love and attention we nurture our families. We are truly special! Bongga talaga tayong lahat!

Olive Macababbad-Santiago

I have been in hiatus for two long months. Why? Because I am pregnant! Ha! Many of my friends tease me that shooting maternity portraits also lead to being pregnant. Well, it is wonderful that I am now expecting, but the last two months of morning sickness was just horrible!

Now, I'm back on my feet and I'm glad that I have the energy to shoot again. Olive, a fellow N@wie was first on the list. She was ultra excited and we talked on the phone and chatted about the preparations for the shoot. She and her husband Emon, drove all the way from Cavite, for this morning shoot. Yep, they were very much on time.

These two were a delight to shoot. They were naturally photogenic, and it was a nice change to have a morena couple - their skin color turned golden under the lights. Looking at Olive and Emon hold each other laughing and tickling and holding a romantic look, made me sigh and smile. It made me think that being married could have its ups and downs. But this is proof that all the sacrifice is worth it. Loving your better half demands unconditional status. Whew! What a word.

This day is very special, as I got a text from Olive a few minutes ago that her cervix has now dilated to 2 cms! Good thing we did the shoot this morning. Any day longer would have made it impossible. Talk about perfect timing.

The Angeles Family

What's the best way to spend a beautiful Sunday Morning? How about a family pictorial over at U.P. grounds?

Yes, that's how it went for the Angeles Family last March 18. This family is one of my loyal clients and we have become very good friends. I can't believe it's been almost a year now, since I took Neri's Maternity Portrait and Baby Nicka will soon turn 1 year old!

Nald, was teasing me, telling me that I would still be their photographer come Nicka's wedding day. (Gosh, uugod-ugod na ako nun.)

Taking their photos was a treat for me. It's nice to be part of something special and its great to have another chance to enjoy moments with friends whose relationship has blossomed through time.And I have the evidence all tucked away through my camera.

P.S. I just have to mention this - Nald, Neri and Nicka always have color coordinated shirts for every pictorial and this day's color is PINK!

Vanessa Ramiscal-Dulalia (8 months preggy!)

FINALLY!!!! The time has come for Vanessa to pose for her Maternity Portrait. If you can scan through my past blogs, Vanessa has a portrait where she was still two months pregnant. (Yes, ganun sya ka-excited!)

She was early for her session and brought with her what seems to be a closet of clothes. Haha. Jeck, her husband, was laughing telling me all the preparations they went through before getting on the car and driving to the studio.

I enjoyed my time shooting this couple because they are just hilarious together. Vanny kept on picking on Jeck, saying that he was as pregnant as she was. Haha. Then we had some quiet moments, talking about child birth and the pains of labor. Well, every woman shares that fear. But as we concluded the photo session, we know that a woman's body was made to bear children and Vanny and myself, felt stronger and more bonded as friends after that.

Erika's 1st Birthday!

Finally, the big day came! Though it was searing hot (summer is definitely here), the party went on without a glitch. I have to say, what makes a children's bday party a success for the kids is definitely the games and the entertainer. They were glued to their seats (pag pina upo sila ng clown), and they were scrambling to take part in the games. Sobrang saya!

Erika and her mom, Karen love having their pictures taken. So this shot is extra special having all three of them (with Erika's Dad) in it.

The clowns were hilarious! They were a big hit with the kids. As I said they were glued to their seats (kse lang prize pag tumayo kagad e). Hahaha.

And mind you, almost everyone stayed for the whole duration of the party (they had guests from Sorsogon). Well, I can't blame them, if you have a party this fun, you would really enjoy your time.